Atrial Fibrillation & Blood Clots

What is Atrial Fibrillation (Afib)?

Atrial fibrillation is a type of cardiac arrhythmia(irregular heartbeat). Electrical impulses instruct each part of the heart to beat in sync with the other parts of the heart. When you have Afib, the electrical signals are disorganized and cause the heart's two upper chambers(the atria) to beat rapidly and chaotically. This prevents blood from flowing through the heart properly. This can lead to blood pooling in the chambers of the heart, possibly resulting in blood clots.

* Your doctor may prescribe blood thinners to prevent blood clots from forming. A normal heart rate and rhythm also may be restored with medication. * Treat underlying conditions that contribute to Afib (atrial fibrillation)

Afib by the numbers:

* 350,000 hospitalizations every year are attributed to Afib. * People with Afib are nearly 5X more likely to suffer a stroke. Stroke is the most serious complication of Afib. * Afib related strokes are nearly twice as fatal and twice as disabling as non-Afib related strokes. * 1 in every 6 strokes is due to Afib.

Disclaimer: The American Blood Clot Association provides information, pictures, and news on the website for general information purposes only.The information on the site should not replace the advice, diagnosis, or treatment of your personal medical doctor.The ABCA website does not provide medical advice or diagnosis, treatment, or services to you or any individual. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911 immediately.